Talented pupils from two West Lothian high schools have been selected to show off their technology skills by creating flying quadcopters.
West Calder High School and St Kentigern’s High School have been selected to compete in the regional finals of the Raytheon Technologies Quadcopter Challenge.
Following a successful pitch to a team of local industry experts, students from West Calder High School and St Kentigern’s High School will be tasked with building and flying their quadcopters for a chance to compete at the regional finals – of which the most successful team will go onto compete at the national final, this year taking place at a central RAF location.
Guided by Raytheon Technologies STEM Ambassadors, students from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are asked to use their science and math’s skills to design a four-bladed, remotely piloted air system – known as a quadcopter.
This year’s theme will encourage students to build a business case during the initial design phase that describes how they are reducing the amount of material used in the initial design; how they’ve taken into consideration the supply chain implications to choose conscious suppliers; and how materials could be used for future quadcopter developments and iterations.
“The aim of the Quadcopter Challenge is to excite and re-engage young people in learning by giving them the opportunity to test and apply their skills to activities outside of their usual curriculum,” said Alex Rose Parfitt, Engineering director, Raytheon UK.
“There is no denying that we all need to do our bit to save the planet and that’s why this year’s theme, Sustainability, is so important to get the next generation to think about the most sustainable practices moving forward.”
Last year’s theme, Mission to Mars, succeeded in getting students to think outside of the box to overcome the challenging Martian conditions for space exploration and flight with Manchester school, Cardinal Langley RC High School, taking home the national title.
“Inspiring a future generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineering is at the heart of what the Royal Air Force Youth STEM team seek to achieve, which is why we are so excited to support the Raytheon Technologies Quadcopter Challenge,” said Air Commodore Andrew Dickens, Commandant Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain exposure to solving real world problems through the application of STEM and open their minds to future career possibilities”.
Beginning in 2015 with just four Essex schools, the Quadcopter Challenge is now a staple of Raytheon Technologies’ efforts to inspire the UK’s next generation to explore STEM careers.
Learn more about the Quadcopter Challenge here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXyLbQ7XLFo
Raytheon Technologies in the UK has facilities across the United Kingdom including in Livingston.
As a prime contractor and major supplier to UK Government, the company employs 2,000 highly skilled people supporting the aerospace, defence, space and cyber sectors.
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